He chuckled. “As much as I enjoy seeing you tear yourself apart over a woman, I need you to answer that question out loud. You and she need to be on the same page, man. Does she feelyou’reworth the fight?”
Layla’s actions so far said yes. But family ruled, and a niggle of doubt lingered in the back of my mind. “Man, that’s the purpose of this quick getaway. We’ll come to terms on things.”
“I hope so. I need your head in the game, because if my instincts are correct, we’re in for a rough road ahead. Not to mention, finding Roman is front and center.”
So was my kid, but I knew we needed to take Roman out. If he found out Layla was carrying a Mason baby, he would go to the ends of the Earth, not only to use her to his advantage but to profit off my child as he’d planned to do with Abbey.
Blowing out a breath, I tossed a look over my shoulder. Layla and George were in the house, engrossed in a conversation. “Keep me posted on Rianne. I’ll check in later.”
“Watch your six.” Then he hung up.
I downed my drink as my mind drifted out to sea. Darkness was coming. Like Tripp, I could feel it, and I had to do everything in my power to protect my loved ones.
24
SAM
Ihung outside, listening to the whoosh of the waves crashing along the shore. They seemed as furious and frustrated as I felt.
If Layla found out Rianne was on her way to Boston, she would tear out of here like the Flash. Man, as much as I understood her need to reason with Rianne, she wasn’t our priority anymore, and I couldn’t risk Layla getting kidnapped.
As much as I didn’t want to snag her phone, I had to until we could at least agree on a plan forward regarding her family, the baby, and our next steps. We couldn’t just run into harm’s way without thinking.
I tilted my face toward the sun, absorbing as much of it as I could. My elemental powers were fueled by the sun and nature, and I needed to be stronger than ever for the road ahead.
“Sam.” Layla’s siren voice buttered my nerves, melting our problems for the moment. “Are you okay?”
I am now.The woman could probably lull me into her arms just with her seductive tone.
She sidled up to me, and her arm brushed mine. Electricity hurtled up my arm and exploded through every fiber in my body. “Your shoulders are hunched. You’re tense. Who called? Is it bad news?”
With my blood running through her veins, I imagined she could feel what I felt. I tucked her into me, and she leaned her head on my chest. “It’s all good. Just Tripp checking in.” I forced my emotions into a safe, locked it, and lost the combination for the time being.
She fished her phone from the pocket of the jeans molded to her curvy hips. “I want to check in with Jordyn and make sure she made it safely to Chicago.”
I eyed the cell like it was a bomb about to explode. “She did. I asked Tripp about her. I think she’s in her interview now.”
“You’re worried about Jordyn?” She batted puppy dog eyes up at me.
I kissed her on the head. “Of course. Don’t sound so surprised. I do have a heart.”
She rubbed a hand up my chest. “Sometimes I wonder, though,” she said with a giggle.
I plucked her phone from her. “Do me a favor? No phones while we’re here. Dr. Vieira ordered you to rest, which means no drama.”
A crease dented the smooth skin in between her eyebrows. “No. What if Rianne calls? And I want to talk to Jordyn.”
I set the bottle on the deck’s rail. “Tripp feels that Roman can track us.” It was kind of a lie but mostly true. Roman had my number, and if he wanted to find Layla’s, I was sure he could. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before. “I’m turning mine off.” I proceeded to shut mine down. After pocketing it, I ghosted my lips over hers. “Leave Jordyn a message. Tell her you’ll call her later. If anyone needs us, Tripp and Webb know to call George.”
She stuck out her chest, obviously ready to unleash defiance as though I’d just scolded her.
I showered kisses along her cheek until I was nibbling her ear. “I have something in mind for us that will help you relax, and I don’t want any distractions.”
She shivered. “What is it?”
Man, I wished the weather was warmer so we could dive into the ocean naked. “Do I really have to explain?”
She nodded as she audibly swallowed. “I want details, vampire.”
